This article is about the species and organization of Space
Pirates. For the standard Space Pirate infantry unit, see Pirate
Trooper.

Space Pirates are a species of warring bipedal organisms
encountered throughout the Metroid series. They have been
present in galactic affairs since as far back as the formation of
the Galactic Federation.

Contents

History

Space Pirates are notorious for their use of unyielding force
and merciless tactics, in combat or otherwise. Since the foundation
of the Galactic Federation, the Space Pirates have, more or less,
existed in complete and all out war with their opposition, the
Galactic Federation, most notably by the hands of the
Federation-employed bounty hunter, Samus Aran. As for military prowess, the
Pirates are unmatched in strength, numbers, and ability. They also
had an interest in Phazon
and its potential for use in creating weapons and even stronger
versions of themselves, hence Project Helix.

A New
Source

Space Pirate science teams discovered a second source of Phazon
in the Dasha
System, and a base was set up on Aether four cycles later to evaluate local
resources.[14] Despite confrontations with the
Ing resulting in considerable
damage, the search for viable Phazon sources on the planet
continued.[15] Within the next cycle, a spatial anomaly and a relic were discovered
inside their base in Agon Wastes.[16] The Pirates suspected the rift led
to a parallel dimension, and these suspicions were confirmed once
the energy from the relic was used to open the Rift and travel
through it into Dark Aether, which they discovered was not only
the home of the Ing that had been plaguing them but also the prime
source of Phazon in the sector.[17]

Phazon extraction raids of Dark Aether began immediately, in
spite of the massive power requirements.[18] The toxic
atmosphere and the Ing took a toll on the workforce, resulting in
an increased security presence in extraction locations, the
invention of survival gear by Science Team, and authorization for
more troops and supplies from High Command.[19] Shortly
thereafter, Dark
Samus, who the Space Pirates mistake for Samus Aran, arrives
and commences stealing their Phazon, crippling their Stealth Field
Generator in one particularly damaging raid.[20][21]

Around this time the Ing launched a large
offensive on the alien mountain settlement, damaging the
Space Pirate facilities numerous times as well.[22] Later, the ship carrying their
reinforcements was shot down and pursued by the G.F.S. Tyr, which
landed near the alien temple.[23] Finally, the
real Samus Aran, in search of GFMC Task Force Herakles, made
planetfall on Aether, where a scout witnessed her being attacked by
Dark Samus.[24] Surrounded by the Ing, the Galactic
Federation, and two Hunters, the Pirates hoped to forge some kind
of alliance with the Dark Hunter against their common enemy in an
attempt to salvage the mission.

The Ing made collection of Phazon quite difficult for the
Pirates, often attacking them on Dark Aether at extraction
sites.[25] Eventually, troop possession became a major
obstacle,[26] as the Ing came to view troopers and commandos as perfect candidates
for possession, especially in light of their training and advanced
weaponry.[27][28]

Besides their Phazon mining operations, the Pirates also started
a mass breeding and training program for Tallon
Metroids,[29][30][31] primarily as a power source until
sufficient amounts of Phazon could be collected.[32] Within their own ranks, the Pirates
had to administer discipline for offenses associated with Metroids,
including using specimens for target practice and feeding them
rations,[33][34] and episodes of
Phazon
Fever among the workforce were problematic.[35]

Dark Samus was suspected of stealing several Metroid specimens
after three went missing.[36][37] The Space Pirates classified her as
a class Platinum-AAA threat level,
and discovered through their analysis that her power grows as she
consumes Phazon.[38] Despite their inclination to forge
an alliance with her, she continued to siphon Phazon from them.

Technology

Space Pirates are surprisingly intelligent, but they usually use
altered stolen technology. In the Prime series, a Space Pirate
usually has a Plasma Rifle and a Scythe. The higher the rank, the more numerous and
powerful the weapons they wield. Other known Space Pirate weapons
are an altered version of the Wave Beam, Power Beam, Ice Beam, and the Plasma Beam. Some Space
Pirates also have a Missile Launchers, Jetpack, and
different versions of Armor. In the 2D games, Space Pirates usually
have armor, and some sort of twin lasers that shoot out of their
claw-like appendages.

Trophy
Info

Super
Smash Bros. Brawl

Space Pirate:

An enemy of Samus. They land on Tallon IV and use the energy they find
there—called Phazon—for
brutal experiments on the planet's life-forms. Samus makes for
Tallon IV to destroy the experiment facilities. In Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, the pirates
go to Aether to find Phazon. A war is being waged there, and a race
of dark beasts, the Ing, make
research difficult.

Notable
Members

The Space Pirates, although generally exclusive to their own
species, employ different creatures as Pirate leaders. Notable
members include the following:

Trivia

Space Pirates consider the poisonous leaves of the Blueroot Tree to be
a delicacy.[40]

Apparently, Space Pirates enjoy keeping domesticated animals as
pets, including Gronkats, Olbaps, and Metroids, though the latter are not to be
domesticated according to Metroid Handling Protocols as of
07.202.02.

Gallery

Echoes Space Pirate VOX

References

↑"Scans
of the Spiral Sector detected a massive energy spike emanating from
a Wanderer-class planet identified as Tallon IV. Scout
reconnaissance was immediately dispatched to the center of the
spike, a land mass at heading mark 40.08.02, returning with
planetary samples and atmospheric imaging. Analysis shows the
energy source to be an unstable radioactive material of enormous
potential. We are unable to form an accurate risk-assessment at
this time, but we are unlikely to find an energy source this
powerful again. Analysis will continue, but currently Tallon IV
appears to be a viable secondary headquarters." —Pirate Data "Contact"
(Metroid Prime)

↑"Zebes
has fallen. All ground personnel are presumed dead, either killed
by the Hunter clad in metal or in the subsequent destruction of the
underground facilities. Our research frigates Orpheon, Siriacus and
Vol Paragom were in orbit at zero hour and managed to retreat.
Frigate Orpheon is now docked at Vortex Outpost. Orpheon's cargo
appears to have a 100% survival rate; Metroids are healthy but on
restricted feeding schedules due to uncertain supply status. We are
ready to begin research on the Metroids and other promising
life-forms. Security status remains at Code Blue; no signs of
pursuit from the Hunter." —Pirate Data "Fall of Zebes" (Metroid
Prime)

↑"The
reconstruction of geoform 187, code-named Ridley, was recently
completed. After his defeat on Zebes, Command ordered a number of
metagenetic improvements for him. Though aggressive, we were able
to implement these changes in a cycle. The metamorphosis was
painful, but quite successful in the end. Early tests indicate a
drastic increase in strength, mobility, and offensive capability.
Cybernetic modules and armor plating have been added as well. We
believe our creation, now called Meta Ridley, will become the
mainstay of our security force, a job he will certainly
relish." —Pirate Data "Meta Ridley" (Metroid
Prime)

↑"Confidence is high regarding Phazon
applications. We know enough about Phazon now to begin combining it
with Space Pirate DNA. The code name for this venture will be
'Project Helix'. Preliminary studies indicate that Phazon infusion
could produce radical Pirate genomes. Benevolent mutation levels
are high in current test subjects. Phazon madness is a concern, but
refinements in the infusion process should reduce or neutralize the
the odds of mental degeneration." —Pirate Data "Phazon Infusion" (Metroid
Prime)

↑"Research on Tallon IV is expanding into new
areas. Pending stabilization of the Thardus venture, we will expand Inanimation research
to include other native Tallon IV materials." —Scan Data
(Metroid Prime)

↑"Imaging
research is being conducted in the containment Vault area of
this
facility." —Scan Data (Metroid Prime)

↑"Initial
Project Helix experiments with Space Pirate embryos were
disastrous. The Phazon-infusion process degenerated brain tissue
even as it augmented muscle mass. None of what termed Elite Pirates
lived to maturity; the few that survived their infanthood suffered
severe psychotic breakdowns as juveniles, killing anything within
their zone of perception. Research team Sclera made a recent
breakthrough, in which parasite studies with a Phazon strain
code-named Vertigo were highly successful. Since then we have
successful fused Vertigo Phazon with Space Pirate DNA with great
success. The latest batch of Elite Pirates have reached maturity
successfully and are ready for field testing and training."
—Pirate Data
"Elite Pirates" (Metroid Prime)

↑"As we
continue to observe the development of Project Helix's Elite
Pirates, it becomes increasingly obvious that these warriors will
usher in a new era of Space Pirate dominance. They are incredibly
resistant to damage, and their ability to transport and wield so
many weapons at once makes them the ideal mainstays of our ground
forces. Though they are not as quick as typical Pirates, it makes
little difference. With a platoon of Elite Pirates in the vanguard
of an army of normal and Flying Pirates, we will have a
near-indestructible backbone that should turn the tide in any
engagement." —Pirate Data "Special Forces" (Metroid
Prime)

↑"Phazon
mining is under way. Several garrisons have been established and
terraforming of the Chozo Ruins is under way. Security systems are
operational, and Science Team continues to make progress in their
biotech research. The Phendrana Drifts have proven to be an optimal
location of Research Headquarters, and soon it will be joined by a
fully operational Combat base and starport. If Command's
predictions are half true, we shall rise dominant of this sector
within a deca-cycle. Truly, these are glorious times."
—Pirate Data
"Phazon Program" (Metroid Prime)

↑"There
have been numerous incidents involving spectral entities at Chozo
Ruins sites. Several personnel have been assaulted by these Chozo
Ghosts; few have survived. Survivors speak of swift attacks from
nowhere, brief sitings of the enemy, then nothing, only to be
followed by another attack. Science Team believes these attacks are
in response to our efforts to recover Chozo relics and Artifacts.
Somehow, these entities are able to interact with the physical
world, and it appears they wish to keep their Artifacts to
themselves. We will make them pay for such arrogance, for even
ghosts can be destroyed." —Pirate Data "Chozo Ghosts" (Metroid
Prime)

↑"Bioform Samus Aran continues to assault our
holdings on Tallon IV. Security has been compromised in multiple
areas. Casualty rates are rising. Command has authorized a sizable
bounty for the capture or termination of Aran. Report to your field
officers for details." —Scan Data (Metroid
Prime)

↑"Planet
Tallon IV, formerly a Chozo colony, was struck by a stellar object
50 years ago. Object was later determined to contain large
quantities of Phazon. The Chozo were able to stave off the spread
of Phazon, at the cost of many Chozo lives. The survivors abandoned
the planet, fleeing to an unknown location. Decades later, Hunter
Samus Aran responded to a distress call in the sector and
discovered a Space Pirate Phazon Mining Station there. Aran
eliminated both the pirate and Phazon threat from the planet,
though not without cost." —Galactic Federation Data "Tallon IV
Incident" (Metroid Prime 3: Corruption)

↑"Science teams have discovered the presence of
Phazon in the Dasha system four cycles ago. High
command authorized the deployment of our team shortly
thereafter. Our orders are to establish a base on planet Aether and
evaluate local Phazon resources. Because this world lies on the
periphery of Galactic Federation territory, we are following
stealth protocols at the highest level. A cadre of elite commandos
has been dispatched to provide security for our force as well. This
operation is now under way." —Pirate Logs "Log
04.468.1 (Phazon Operations)" (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)

↑"Intelligence reports on the indigenous
population of Aether are in error. This planet is not at peace, nor
are the inhabitants docile. Evidence of a class 4 conflict is
present here, though hostilities are at minimal level now. Our
territory has suffered several raids by a strange type of shadowy
creature. These raids have caused considerable damage, and we have
requested more combat troops in response." —Pirate
Logs "Log 04.885.3 (Local Conflict)" (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)

↑"A
spatial anomaly has been found within our base. We believe this
rift in space-time leads to a parallel dimension of some type, but
have been unable to interact with it thus far. A strange artifact
was found near the anomaly as well. It may be a weapon or generator
of some kind: perhaps it is the key to accessing the anomaly. High
Command is eager for reports on the relic. A new weapon for our
arsenal is always welcome." —Pirate Logs "Log 05.008.6
(Great Discoveries)" (Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"The
Rift Portal has been opened. The artifact weapon, dubbed the "Dark
Beam" by science team, provides energy needed to open the portal,
although for a limited time. We've sent expeditions through the
portal, and they have returned with incredible news. The portal
leads to a parallel version of Aether. This "Dark Aether" has
suffered a global calamity, turning it into a toxic wasteland. It
is the homeworld of the shadowy creature who have been raiding our
base for the last cycle. Most importantly, it is the prime location
of Phazon in this sector. Extraction plans are being prepared. We
will not be denied!" —Pirate Logs "Log 05.422.1
(Rift Portal)" (Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"Technician Report, 07.201.01
The wind energy systems are online. I've managed to build a modest
supply of reserve power, but I doubt it will last. All of these
trips to the dark world are taking a huge toll on the energy
supply. We'll see how they feel about these stupid expeditions when
the cooling systems shuts off and the power latrines go
offline." —Scan Data (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)

↑"Phazon
extraction raids are under way on Dark Aether. The toxicity of the
atmosphere has taken a toll on our workforce, as have the hostile
natives of that world. Science Team is preparing survival gear to
protect our work teams, and we have increased our security presence
in extraction areas. Fortunately, High Command is sending more
troops and supplies. Our troops and resources are spread
dangerously thin, and this mission cannot fail." —Pirate
Logs "Log 06.221.7 (Phazon Raids)" (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)

↑"Samus
Aran, the accursed Hunter, has arrived. The sudden arrival of the
Hunter is strange enough, but her actions are stranger still. She
does not seek our destruction, but our Phazon. With each raid, she
steals Phazon ore, only killing those who attempt to deny her. What
she needs it for we do not know - though Science Team suspects she
requires it to power her new armorsuit. Dark in color, it is
equipped with strange new weapons. The troops now call her the
"Dark Hunter." It is a fitting title." —Pirate
Logs "Log 06.362.2 (The Hunter)" (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)

↑"The
Dark Hunter teleports into the base at will. Our security has
proven next to useless against her. Her latest raid was disastrous.
Not only did we lose more Phazon to her, but she also crippled the
stealth field generator with her strange new weapons. We are
exposed. Until the replacement generator arrives, we will be
vulnerable to scans and detection. Our presence here is still
minimal: should the Federation find us, we will be unable to defend
our position. Fortunately, Aether is on the fringe of Federation
space. With luck, we will have a stealth field back in effect
before being detected." —Pirate Logs "Log 06.713.5
(Security Breach)" (Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"The
local war has escalated in intensity. The shadowlings from Dark
Aether launched an offensive. The assault seems focused on a
central network of buildings atop a mountain: a base, perhaps.
Strangely, this attack coincides with a rise in planetary
instability. Perhaps these shadow creatures are using a new weapon
system. The shadowlings must believe us to be foes, for they have
hit our base numerous times as well. We are holding, but this
attrition is taking its toll on our troops and resources.
Reinforcements are en route. We can only wait and defend what is
ours." —Pirate Logs "Log 06.989.8 (Shadow War)"
(Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"Another disaster. The transport bringing our
reinforcements and supplies has been shot down. It was engaged in
orbit by a federation vessel, which has landed near the alien
temple. It's only a matter of time before the Marines attack.
Survivors from our ship have made their way to our base. Here we
shall make our stand. Another enemy. First the shadowlings, then
the Dark Hunter, and now the Galactic Federation Marine Corps.
Perhaps fate will smile upon us, before the world itself opens its
maw and swallows us." —Pirate Logs "Log 07.013.6
(Federation Attack)" (Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"Another hunter, wearing the traditional colors
of Samus Aran, made planetfall today. Horrific as it may sound,
there are two of them now. We are bracing for a new assault. This
dire turn of events may bear some good will. One of our scouts in
Dark Aether saw a curious encounter. The Dark Hunter attacked the
one clad as Samus near a Phazon site. Perhaps they are not
allies...but foes. Perhaps we can forge an alliance with the Dark
Hunter - an exchange, Phazon for the head of our common enemy."
—Pirate Logs "Log 07.159.9 (Two Hunters)"
(Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"Pirate
troopers, already trained to follow orders without question, were
perfect candidates for Ing possession. Darklings moved to take
every trooper they could, expanding the army of the Horde
considerably. Space Pirate technology struck a chord with the Ing,
who now hunt actively for gadgetry of any kind-especially weapon
systems." —Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
Logbook "Dark Pirate Trooper" (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)

↑"The
Ing prize the few Pirate Commandos they manage to take alive. Only
Hunter Ing are allowed to possess the Commandos, and the
competition for that right is fierce among them. The Hunter Ing
ability to phase out of local timespace carries over to the Dark
Pirate Commando. They will fire bursts of dark matter at enemies,
along with experimental EMP grenades stolen from the Space
Pirates." —Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
Logbook "Dark Pirate Commando" (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)

↑"Termination Report 07.195.02
Metroid unit 318 was put down today after a failed domestication
session. Metroid unit refused commands and terminated one of its
handlers before it was subdued." —Scan Data (Metroid Prime
2: Echoes)

↑"Training Report, 07.200.08
Science Team believes the Metroids can be trained. After several
cycles of trying, I believe Science Team has vapor for brains. I've
lost two assistants to the wretched little things." —Scan Data
(Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"Metroid Energy Report, 07.202.09
Until we recover more Phazon, we rely on Metroids for power.
Command has authorized mass breeding of Metroids for this
purpose." —Scan Data (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)

↑"Injury
Report 07.200.07
Unit 686 released a Metroid for target practice today: the Metroid
then assaulted 686. He should be regaining brain functions in a
cycle." —Scan Data (Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"Medical Report 07.199.09
Technician 12 relieved after showing symptoms of "Phazon Fever," in
where he claimed the Phazon as his own and held us at gunpoint
until security arrived." —Scan Data (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)

↑"Theft
Report 07.196.05
Three Metroids have been stolen. All on-duty units have been
questioned. Whereabouts of Metroids unknown. Doubling security in
Metroid areas until further notice." —Scan Data (Metroid
Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"Security Report 07.199.07
The Dark Hunter was spotted near the Metroid tanks. She attempted
to breach the containment racks without success, then escaped.
Perhaps she is behind the Metroid theft." —Scan Data
(Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"Dark
Hunter Analysis, 07.202.07
Scans of the "Dark Hunter" have been revealed she grows stronger as
she consumes Phazon. Already a class Platinum-AAA threat level, we
shudder to think of her power level if she consumes our entire
Phazon supply." —Scan Data (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)

↑"Aran
fought against both Space Pirates and Ing, and arose victorious.
Aether's "dark twin" vanished, taking with it the Ing horde, and
the planet's peace was finally restored. After the Aether incident,
the Federation sent the G.F.S. Anhur back to Aether to deal with
the pirate base. Upon arrival, the crew and marines of the Anhur
assisted the native Luminoth in dismantling an abandoned Space
Pirate mining facility." —Galactic Federation Data "Anhur
Incident" (Metroid Prime 2: Echoes)

↑"The
Blueroot tree is common on worlds with desert regions. While an
elegant, attractive plant, the tree's leaves are highly toxic. Few
species can ingest the leaves and live: many of them (such as the
Space Pirates) consider the deadly Blueroot leaf a delicacy."
—Logbook (Metroid Prime 2:
Echoes)